Chestnut Rail
NameChestnut Rail
Common NameChestnut Rail
Scientific NameEulabeornis castaneoventris
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are a distinctive bluish-grey, with bright red eyes. The upperparts, including the back and wings, are olive-brown, while the underparts from the breast to the belly are a rich chestnut color. The bill is pale greenish-yellow with a whitish tip, and the legs are grey.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, booming series of deep 'oom-oom-oom' or 'kroo-kroo-kroo' notes, often repeated. It also produces harsh 'kek-kek-kek' calls and various grunts and squeals.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal mangrove forests and tidal creeks across northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a rail, Bluish-grey head and neck, Bright red eyes, Rich chestnut underparts, Olive-brown upperparts, Pale greenish-yellow bill
Description
The Chestnut Rail is a large, secretive rail typically found in mangrove forests. It is characterized by its distinctive bluish-grey head, bright red eyes, and rich chestnut underparts contrasting with olive-brown upperparts. This species is known for its loud, booming calls that echo through its dense habitat.
